Review: The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken

THE MATCHMAKER’S PLAYBOOK

by

RACHEL VAN DYKEN

– SYNOPSIS –

Wingman rule number one: don’t fall for a client.

After a career-ending accident, former NFL recruit Ian Hunter is back on campus—and he’s ready to get his new game on. As one of the masterminds behind Wingmen, Inc., a successful and secretive word-of-mouth dating service, he’s putting his extensive skills with women to work for the lovelorn. But when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet.

From her frumpy athletic gear to her unfortunate choice of footwear, Blake is going to need a miracle if she wants to land her crush. At least with a professional matchmaker by her side she has a fighting chance. Ian knows that his advice and a makeover can turn Blake into another successful match. But as Blake begins the transformation from hot mess to smokin’ hot, Ian realizes he’s in danger of breaking his cardinal rule…

– REVIEW –

“You get the point. In our world? Every woman is beautiful. Every woman has a purpose. Every woman has one guy she’s been after, one unobtainable piece of man art.

Just think of the two of us as the brokers.

You’re welcome, world.” Kindle Loc. 510 of 4903

Okay. You’d think with a cocky attitude like that Ian Hunter, ex-NFL star (and part owner of Wingmen, Inc.) might need a big slap upside his head to clear out the conceit. But actually, Rachel Van Dyken’s newest hero is the real deal.

After being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in his sophomore year, Ian sustains a career ending injury. Rather than head off to the broadcast booth, Ian returns to college to finish his degree (an act almost unheard of in this day and age).

Ian, along with his best bud, Lex (a playa in every sense of the word) recognize that some women need help in getting the man of their dreams to notice them. With a nod towards altruism and a greater nod towards their bank accounts and egos, Ian and Lex form Wingmen, Inc.

Wingmen, Inc. is a dating service that provides their female clientele everything a girl might need to get her guy — whether it be a tutorial on kissing technique, lingerie selection or just the plain old “let’s get him jealous” by faking a romantic scenario. Sheer genius —these two guys have a good thing going and they know it.

So what happens when the player gets played? Enter Blake Olsen. Blake is the new roommate to Ian’s childhood pal, Gabi. When Ian and Blake meet, the pull is instantaneous. Too bad Ian never mixes business with pleasure. Equally uncomfortable, Blake, clueless as to Ian’s role, has hired Wingmen to help her land her grade school sweetheart. What ensues when Ian takes on Blake as a client is hilarious, sweet and sexy.

The Matchmaker’s Playbook is a riotous romp, filled with terrific dialogue and clever characters. Ian quickly wins over the heart of the reader. Blake is a sweet mess who deserves to have her heart’s desire. Secondary characters Lex and Gabi better have their story told — and soon —talk about sparks flying. Whew!

Author Rachel Van Dyken shines in her latest offering. The characters are absolutely likeable, the plot beyond clever and the back-and-forth between the characters is as snappy and witty as it gets.

Since this reader doesn’t have a vote in the Heisman trophy, Ms. Van Dyken and The Matchmaker’s Playbook will have to settle for five stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*

– ABOUT THE AUTHOR –

RACHEL VAN DYKEN

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
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